Most orchids will thrive in bright indirect light:

- Some Cattleya alliance orchids can tolerate direct sunlight for part of the day

- Most other orchid types want indirect light or bright shade

The main concern with watering orchids is avoiding root rot caused by the potting mix being too wet.

The frequency of watering will vary a lot based on your specific situation: How big the orchid is, how big of a pot it is in, and what type of pot. The best way to determine when to water is by inspecting the potting mix. In most cases we intentionally grow and ship orchids in clear plastic pots, to try and make it easier to inspect the roots.

Cattleya alliance orchids should be allowed to dry out between waterings. This usually means watering every 2-4 days.

Most other orchids should be watered when the mix is almost dry, but before it is dries out completely.

Orchids must be potted in an coarse potting mix that allows air flow around the roots:

- Coarse bark or bark mixed with perlite works well for most orchids, especially Cattleya alliance orchids that prefer to dry out between watering

- We do not recommend sphagnum moss for most orchids: It decomposes relatively quickly and can become waterlogged, causing root rot. Moss is commonly used by commercial growers for their convenience - it allows them to save time by watering less often. Leaving orchids in old moss too long will cause them to rapidly decline and die.

When to re-pot orchids:

1. When they outgrow the pot (most of the new growth is hanging outside of the pot)

2. If the old potting mix starts to decompose. In most cases it is best to remove all of the old potting mix.

3. If you see fresh new root growth (small new roots forming at the orchid stem) it usually is a good time to re-pot

Coming soon